POLL: Stupak replacements in horse race

October 13, 2010|By Brandon Hubbard News-Review Staff Writer

With 20 days until voters head to the booths, a poll sponsored by The Hill newspaper in Washington, D.C., shows surgeon Dan Benishek (right), R-Crystal Falls, narrowly leading state Rep. Gary McDowell (left), D-Rudyard, 42-39. The margin is just under the plus/minus 4.9 percent margin of error.

The 1st Congressional race to succeed Congressman Bart Stupak could be another photo finish, the latest independent poll shows.

With 20 days until voters head to the booths, a poll sponsored by The Hill newspaper in Washington, D.C., shows surgeon Dan Benishek, R-Crystal Falls, narrowly leading state Rep. Gary McDowell, D-Rudyard, 42-39. The margin is just under the plus/minus 4.9 percent margin of error.

Maybe more important is the large number of undecided voters in the expansive Congressional spanning 31-counties.

Not included in the survey is Independent candidate Glenn Wilson, of Rose City, who in earlier polls has gathered between 6 and 12 percent of the vote.

In response to the poll, McDowell spokesman Nick Choate said the poll "confirms" the race as "one of the most competitive in the country."

"The more Northern Michigan residents learn about all of their choices in this race we see more and more support for Gary," Choate said.

Dan Benishek's spokesman (and nephew) Trent Benishek said, "Despite attempts by Gary McDowell to mislead voters on (Dan) Benishek's positions, this poll shows that Dr. Benishek has maintained the lead throughout this race."

Also revealing is that despite a large number of television ads being bought in the district, the polls shows 18 percent of Northern Michigan voters are still undecided. With such a high number up for grabs, the race could easily tilt in the final days leading up to November.

Among the voters polled, McDowell -- who has been using his support for Social Security prominently in his platform -- was found to be more favorable among adults over 55 years old.

Benishek, who has largely been backed by the Tea Party movement and has called for "tax cuts across the board," was favored by voters between the ages 33-54 years old.

Both men are still considered relatively unknown to younger voters ages 17 to 34, who said they were "unfamiliar" with the candidates.

Of national note, the poll revealed that of the 10 open seats for congress, eight are currently leaning Republican.

"There are a couple of bright spots for Democrats, but you're still seeing strong Republican performance across the country, no question about it," said pollster Mark Penn, of Penn Schoen Berland, told The Hill.